'The Club is very mindful that, due to the weather-related conditions on Friday night, a large number of fans were unable to attend the game, as they had planned. The Club understands the disappointment of these fans and would like to take the opportunity to clarify the procedures and regulations surrounding the fulfilment of games.

'In anticipation of adverse weather in the build-up to Friday night`s game, the Club took every possible precaution to ensure that the fixture went ahead. It is the Club`s responsibility to ensure that King Power Stadium is in an appropriate condition for its home fixtures to be fulfilled. As a consequence of the successful preparation, the match officials decided that the game should go ahead, albeit with a delay to the kick-off time to allow for Middlesbrough`s disrupted journey to the stadium.

'Only the match officials, the city`s Safety Advisory Group or the police can initiate a postponement'

A Football League spokesman added.

'It is hugely unfortunate that so many ticket holders missed the game. However, these were exceptional and challenging circumstances that were outside of Leicester City's control.

'The Football League is satisfied - given that the referee had determined that the playing surface was playable, that both sides were ready to start the game and that a significant number of people were in the stadium - that it was correct to play the match.'